Local amenities:
We are at the top of the hill on the lonely D7/25 towards Droux, overlooking the valley of the river Semme, in the little hamlet of Les Egaux or L'a y gue in patois meaning 'place of water'. Local attractions include:- The Buddhist MONASTERY at Les Bosnages (5 min walk, gardens, statues and temples).The Chateauponsac MUSEUM 5 min.drive - Roman through to 20th C.) and ROMAN ROAD and bridge over the river Gartempe. Montrol-Senard- amazing FLORAL displays and ORIGINAL artefacts from life in the late 19thC.(25mins) Lac St. Pardoux with its fabulous BEACHES for swimming and watersports, and swimming at the Bessines lake (both 15 mins). Rancon village nearby, boasts a RESTAURANT, bakers, cafe-bar and post office. Mediaeval church and porcelaine shop at Le Dorat. Bellac and other nearby towns offer a wider tourist and shopping experience,with the famous city of Limoges only 30 minutes away via the scenic D7or the A20 motorway. There many leaflets in the house for you to plan your outings.
Further information:
At CHATEAUPONSAC there are lovely winding streets to explore behind the museum overlooking the valley and roman bridge. carry on and you come to the 800 acre of lakes at St PARDOUX with beaches, all the water sport facilities, motorised and otherwise , picnic areas under the trees and refreshment bars. Boats and bicycles may be hired here and there are numerous horse riding establishments nearby. It is beautiful walking country with an abundance of wildlife, rivers and lakes,chateaux, parks, tranquil forests There is good shopping in Limoges and Poitiers and of course the historic sights. The views all around here are stunning and provide inspiration for artists, photographers and birdwatchers. In March/April and October/ November the SPECTACULAR migration of Cranes takes place and the indiginous Eagles are overshadowed by these enormous birds flying over in huge numbers!
History of the House:
The owners live close by, keep ducks and chickens and have a vegetable garden and are therefore able to offer free eggs and seasonal fruit and veg. as available.
Jolie ruine has taken 5 years to restore from a total ruin (the roof finally caved in a month before the roofer arrived!) surrounded by brambles of jungle proportions (3 m high in places). There is a huge barn next door which we are in the process of clearing for use as a table-tennis and activities room.
What attracted us was the potential view and the apparent history of the house which had been built with stones scavenged from ancient remains in this area, famous for it's Roman and Medieval
history-Richard the Lion heart and the 'Black Prince' of the 100 years war being the reason for much of the fortifications in this region. The restoration 'evolved' as we grew with the house, and the subsequent eclectic decoration results form our love of ancient artefacts and the styles of the early 20th century
Golf:
Limoges: Municipal course par72, mostly on the flat. Cost approx. 18 euros per round. No booking required.
Panazol: Golf de la Porcelaine.Private course par 72, hills with lakes. Non-members welcome. Cost approx.32euros per round. No booking required.
Gueret: Championship course. Booking required
Other: hole course in Mortemart with plans for 18 holes and an 18 hole course in St. Junien.
Other Activities:
canoeing and kayaking, Balloon trips.
